Are you looking for the ideal Hospital Bag checklist? Look No Further! Everything you could think of and more is on our list! Read More!
A hospital bag checklist for delivery is absolutely essential considering the fact that you could be in the hospital for a span of two to three days in the course of a normal or vaginal delivery. But keep in mind that it could take five days or even more if it’s a caesarean delivery or if any complications arise during the childbirth process. Remember that you should have your hospital bag packed after the completion of a maximum of 36 weeks as labour could begin any time after this period. Here’s an easy-to-use list that will help you during your time at the hospital.
The realistic hospital bag checklist should have the following items too.
Other than the above, the hospital bag items for delivery that every mom-to-be should carry are comfortable footwear that are flat and with a good grip. This is to prevent slipping on the smooth hospital floor while you are taking a walk in labour. Pack slippers to wear to the washroom as well, take massage oil or lotion if you want to be massaged during labour, nursing bras, breast pads, and lip balm. For your days at the hospital, carry clothing that you’ll be comfortable in. Take two outfits per day as you might need to change once during the day. Seasonal outfits like rompers, sleep suits, cotton jhablas, T-shirts, shorts or leggings, will serve the purpose. Anything else that you are comfortable wearing is also recommended. Take four vests or onesies as inner wear. You’ll also need a going-home outfit post pregnancy as you’ll have a noticeable bump. So, bear that in mind!
The hospital bag checklist for baby must include one set of clothes for each day, and two extra as well. For winter babies ensure there are two sweaters. Pack a pair of baby gloves so baby doesn’t scratch himself as some new-borns have long nails. Take a baby cap, two soft cotton sheets for baby’s bed and a waterproof sheet protector or rubber under-sheet to prevent the bed from getting wet. A soft, warm baby blanket is a good idea if it’s cold. A light cotton cover will suffice for summer. Ensure that you also stock 12 nappies, nappy pads or diapers for each day as well as wet wipes, a soft towel and a changing mat to change your baby's diaper.
While all of the above are important enough to be part of your hospital bag checklist, ensure that you don’t miss out on these items while packing for your delivery.
What’s your ideal realistic hospital bag checklist for baby? Do you have something more to add to our list that we somehow missed out? Do write in to us and share your views and suggestions. We’d love to hear from you!
Some frequently asked questions have been answered below for you!
You ask and we answer!
Q.1 How many weeks should you be when you pack your hospital bag? (Asha Narang, New Delhi)
You should have your hospital bag ready to go between the 32 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. You may start packing it at any time in your pregnancy, but it is important to have everything packed by your 35th week in case baby comes early.
Q. 2 What snacks should I pack in my hospital bag? (Sharada Ganesh, Chennai)
Here are 5 great snack ideas to pack in your hospital labour bag.
Q. 3 How many sleepsuits do I need in my hospital bag? (Prity Patel, Navi Mumbai)
Pack at least two or three sleepsuits, vests and a cardigan or two.